Lidar Sensor

It is used in some advanced driver assistance and automated driving systems. It complements cameras and radar. It works in darkness. Unlike radar, lidar gives a very precise shape of objects, which helps software tell the difference between a pedestrian, a cyclist and a car. Sensors may sit in the grille, the roof line or behind the windscreen. Their use in production cars is growing as prices fall, mostly in systems that allow some hands-off or eyes-off driving.

The sensor measures the time light needs to return from objects.

Heavy rain or fog can reduce performance. Sensors need calibration after repairs.